Bar W Guest Ranch
The Bar W Ranch is a beautiful, sprawling piece of property. The lodge is set on 100 acres along crystal clear Spencer Lake. The Bar W Ranch offers stables, an indoor riding facility and horseback trail riding at its finest.
Options for a true Ranch experience include learning to ride (for beginners) or herding cattle the cowboy way!
Equestrian | Accommodations | Activities
Ranch Features
The Bar W is located in northwest Montana. From snowmobiling and skiing at Big Mountain, to fly fishing, whitewater rafting, golf and mountain biking. Glacier National Park is located just minutes from Bar W Ranch. You won’t want to miss out on this pristine wilderness while you are visiting.
The 100 acre Bar W Guest Ranch on Spencer Lake is surrounded by 2,900 acres of State land and is located just 3.5 miles west of the quaint town of Whitefish, Montana. Known as the gateway to Glacier National Park, Whitefish is at the center of a year-round recreational playground in northwest Montana hosting Big Mountain ski and summer resort.
Visitors to Whitefish can enjoy a variety of activities in addition to the area’s trademark ski slopes. For lovers of the outdoors, there are lakes for fly fishing, trails for mountain biking and much much more. Golfers can hit the links at any one of the 9 local courses. And for evenings on the town, the area offers plenty of fine-quality dining, shopping and other nighttime activities like rodeos and theater company productions.
- 100 Acres of Private Ranch Land
- Main Lodge - Six Bedrooms - Sleeps 18
- Top of the line Equestrian Facility
- Indoor Arena - 60X100
- Outdoor Arena -136X232
- Horse Training, Clinics and Riding lessons
- Private Spencer Lake within property borders
- Borders 2,900 acers of state lands
Packages
Winter Packages: December/January/February
Whether you want to ski all day or half a day and ride half a day in the mountains (weather permitting) or in the arena - it's up to you. For parties of 6 and up Bar W Packages work under the American plan and include: accommodations, all meals, maid service and skiing or snow boarding at Whitefish Mountain. Also included is: cross country skiing right off the property or at Whitefish Lake Golf Course and Whitefish Mountain, wilderness hiking, ice fishing on Spencer Lake or one of the many local area lakes, snow shoeing off property and all ranch activities: dinner sleigh rides, square dances with waltzes and Virgina Reels and campfire storytelling evenings. For parties smaller than 6, bed and breakfast rates apply and activities and additional meals can be purchased a la carte. See side bar on right for rates and package options.
Spring and Fall Packages: March/April/May/October/November
The spring and fall are some of the best times to visit Montana. The temperatures are warm during the day 50-60 degrees and “jacket temperature” cool 30 – 40 degrees at night. The spring seems as though "green" is everywhere and the fall, when the Tamarack's start to turn yellow, is just gorgeous. During both times of year there is a quieter and more relaxing feeling in the air. No matter what time of year – Montana is always worth the trip.
The Bar W Packages work under the American plan and include; accommodations, all meals, maid service, all ranch activities and facilities, horse and tack, guided trail riding, rodeo action, cookouts, use of boats, clay pigeon shooting, archery, hiking, wilderness areas, fishing on the lake - essentially the run of the property. You'll partake in the Play Meadow and gazebo wagon ride dinners as well as square dances with waltzes, Virginia reels, and live music. Campfires at night with storytelling and smores are a great end to the day. See side bar on right for rates and package options.
Summer Packages: June/July/August/September
Summer is when Montana is in high gear, the energy is contagious, the water of the lakes and streams take on a refreshing charm and invite you to surround yourself in their clean, cold, and invigorating essence. All the area’s activities are at their peak and the Flathead Valley is busting at the seams with fun. Montana is alive and you can feel it everywhere – great time to be here.
The Bar W Packages work under the American plan and include: accommodations, all meals, maid service, all ranch activities and facilities, horse and tack, guided trail riding, rodeo action, cookouts, use of boats, clay pigeon shooting, archery, hiking, wilderness areas, fishing on the lake - essentially the run of the property. You'll partake in the Play Meadow and gazebo wagon ride dinners as well as square dances with waltzes, Virginia reels, and live music. Campfires at night with storytelling and smores are a great end to the day. See side bar on right for rates and package options.
Check out the other interesting things to do at the Bar W Ranch!
Equestrian | Accommodations | Activities
Ranch Features
Kids
BAR W GUEST RANCH KIDS PROGRAM
If you are thinking about a great summer vacation for kids, think horseback riding, there is no better place than The Bar W Ranch! We are developing a great program for the younger cowpokes this year. For the small fries under four we will be offering limited babysitting upon request. At the Bar W, our trail riding age limit is seven years old. Cowboys and cowgirls under seven can take pony rides and work on their skills in the arena.
JUNIOR COWPOKES
Seven to elevens will have their own special rides on certain days, with trail rides and games in the arena. With their own counselor they will have great adventures, swimming, fishing and taking trips to the Big Mountain Ski and Summer Resort. Parents will have the opportunity to participate with their kids in some of these activities, as well as enjoying adults’ only rides and activities.
Out here in the West, ranch life starts at a young age, so teenagers are welcome to join the older cowboys in all rides and activities. We also encourage young cowboys to help the wranglers work the horses in the mornings to get them ready for the day. We start early with feeding, grooming and saddling.
REC-HALL
In our rec-hall there are games, pool table, and darts. We can have great fun here, working on Cowboy and Indian crafts.
What ever your age, The Bar W has a great vacation waiting for you.
More Activities
- Sleigh Rides
- Chili Dinner Ride
- Full Dinner Ride
- Heated Gazebo By The Lake
- Heated Indoor Arena
- Wagon Rides
- Western Cattle Drives
- CowGirl Up!
- Photography Week
Main Lodge
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Horse'n Around
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Sleigh & Wagon Rides
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Rooms
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Other
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| Taxes | 8% |
| Cancellation Policy | 60 days - packages 14 days - Lodge |
| Deposit Policy | 50% |
| Credit Cards | V, MC, AMEX |
| Kitchens Available | Cabin, Suite Microwave & Refrigerator |
| Pets | no |
| Television | Aspen Suite |
| Internet | main lodge |
| Laundry | main lodge |
| Pool/Hot Tub | hot tub |
| Restaurant | no |
| Air Conditioning | no |
| Package Rates Ski all day or half a day or Ride half a day in the mountains or in the arena |
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| December/January/February 6 night / 5 day package |
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| Appaloosa | $1,380 | |
| Tamarack | $1,440 | |
| Solitude | $1,740 | |
| Whitetail | $1,740 | |
| Sunroom | $2,190 | |
| Aspen Suite | $2,190 | |
| Eagles Nest | $2,210 | |
| Bear Den | $2,190 | |
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The 6 night 5 day packages begin with check-in on Sunday 3 PM - Check-out on Saturday at 11 AM |
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| December/January/February 3 night / 2 day package |
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| Appaloosa | $479 | |
| Tamarack | $509 | |
| Solitude | $584 | |
| Whitetail | $659 | |
| Sunroom | $659 | |
| Aspen Suite | $884 | |
| Eagles Nest | $1,034 | |
| Bear Den | $884 | |
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The 3 night 2 day Get-A-Way packages begin with check-in on Thursday 3 PM - Check-out on Sunday 11 AM (days are flexible) |
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| December/January/February Nightly Rates |
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| Appaloosa | $65 | |
| Tamarack | $75 | |
| Solitude | $125 | |
| Whitetail | $125 | |
| Sunroom | $200 | |
| Aspen Suite | $200 | |
| Eagles Nest | $250 | |
| Bear Den | $200 | |
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For nightly rates, add $40.00 per night additional guest over 2 / includes breakfast - does not include riding |
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| December/January/February Substitutions - Snowmobiling |
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| Description | Without Guide | With Guide |
| Half Day Single | $100 | $180 |
| Half Day Double | $110 | $190 |
| Full Day Single | $125 | $245 |
| Full Day Double | $145 | $265 |
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Snowmobile Full Outfit Gear Available For $25 per person |
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For major holidays please use Summer Nightly Rates |
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| Package Rates Full week riding and accommodations |
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| March/April/May/October/November 6 night / 5 day package |
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| Appaloosa | $1,470 | |
| Tamarack | $1,530 | |
| Solitude | $1,830 | |
| Whitetail | $1,830 | |
| Sunroom | $2,280 | |
| Aspen Suite | $2,430 | |
| Eagles Nest | $2,280 | |
| Bear Den | $2,280 | |
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The 6 night 5 day packages begin with check-in on Sunday 3 PM - Check-out on Saturday at 11AM |
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| March/April/May/October/November 3 night / 2 day package |
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| Appaloosa | $735 | |
| Tamarack | $765 | |
| Solitude | $915 | |
| Whitetail | $915 | |
| Sunroom | $1,140 | |
| Aspen Suite | $1,215 | |
| Eagles Nest | $1,140 | |
| Bear Den | $1,140 | |
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The 3 night 2 day Get-A-Way packages begin with check-in on Thursday 3 PM - Check-out on Sunday 11 AM (days are flexible)
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| March/April/May/October/November Nightly Rates |
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| Appaloosa | $65 | |
| Tamarack | $75 | |
| Solitude | $125 | |
| Whitetail | $125 | |
| Sunroom | $200 | |
| Aspen Suite | $225 | |
| Eagles Nest | $200 | |
| Bear Den | $200 | |
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For nightly rates, add $25.00 per night additional guest over 2 / includes breakfast - does not include riding |
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For major holidays please use Summer Nightly Rates |
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| Package Rates Full week riding and accommodations |
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| June/July/August/September 6 night / 5 day package |
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| Appaloosa | $1,950 | |
| Tamarack | $2,070 | |
| Solitude | $2,550 | |
| Whitetail | $2,550 | |
| Sunroom | $2,940 | |
| Aspen Suite | $3,090 | |
| Eagles Nest | $3,090 | |
| Bear Den | $2,940 | |
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The 6 night 5 day packages begin with check-in on Sunday 3 PM - Check-out on Saturday at 11 AM |
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| June/July/August/September 3 night / 2 day package |
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| Appaloosa | $975 | |
| Tamarack | $1,035 | |
| Solitude | $1,275 | |
| Whitetail | $1,275 | |
| Sunroom | $1,470 | |
| Aspen Suite | $1,545 | |
| Eagles Nest | $1,545 | |
| Bear Den | $1,470 | |
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The 3 night 2 day Get-A-Way packages begin with check-in on Thursday 3 PM - Check-out on Sunday 11 AM (days are flexible) |
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| June/July/August/September Nightly Rates |
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| Appaloosa | $85 | |
| Tamarack | $105 | |
| Solitude | $185 | |
| Whitetail | $185 | |
| Sunroom | $250 | |
| Aspen Suite | $275 | |
| Eagles Nest | $275 | |
| Bear Den | $250 | |
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For nightly rates, add $25.00 per night additional guest over 2 / includes breakfast - does not include riding
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For major holidays please use Summer Nightly Rates |
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All rates are for single occupancy only.
Rates go up for double occupancy and so forth.
For major holidays please use Summer Nightly Rates
The Bar W understands you wanting to bring your pet on vacation and we welcome your pets. Because other guests may be allergic, they cannot sleep in the lodge or the cabin. They can stay in very comfortable stalls in the barn with dog beds, shavings and water. And due to the horses and other guests on the property, they must be on a leash when roaming the ranch.
- $15 a night for dogs or no charge with a package
- $25 a night for horses or no charge with a package - includes grass/alfalfa mix - 3 flakes - twice a day
- We will need a health certificate and Coggins test for horses staying at the ranch
- If you have any special needs for your pet or horse, or have any questions, please give us a call, we will be happy to work with you
- Tax: 8%
- Cancellation:
60 days - packages
14 days B&B - Deposit: 50%
- Credit Cards: V, MC, AMEX
Bar W Packages, Day Riding, and Lodging Policies
Bar W Packages – 3 night, 4 night and 6 night stays
The Bar W Packages work under the American plan and includes accommodations, meals, maid service, all ranch activities and facilities, horse and tack, guided trail riding, rodeo action, cookouts, use of boats, skeet shooting, archery, hiking wilderness areas, fishing on the lake – essentially the run of the property.
A deposit of 50% is required for all Ranch Packages. The balance will be due at the time of departure. Deposits are non-refundable, unless your trip is cancelled 60 days PRIOR to arrival less the cost of one nights lodging. No-shows will be charged the full amount. Parties arriving with fewer guests than reserved for will be charged the full amount. There is no adjustment to the final bill for early departure, unforeseen departure, or changes in itinerary.
Travel Insurance - for a minimal fee, we recommend trip or vacation insurance for “last minute” unforeseen situations where you need to cancel your trip. Call Travel Guard at 800-826-1300.
Bar W Events
A deposit of 50% is required for all events at the ranch. The balance will be due at the time of departure. Deposits are non-refundable, unless your event is cancelled 60 days PRIOR to scheduled date less the cost of 5% of the estimated amount. Guaranteed count must be submitted 14 days in advance. Client will be billed for guaranteed count or actual number of attendees, whichever is greater.
Bar W Horseback Riding, Wagon and Sleigh Rides
A 50% deposit is required to reserve your trail ride, wagon ride or sleigh ride. All reservation deposits are non-refundable on "no shows" or on cancellations received less than 24 hours prior to the reservation time. Those wanting to reschedule will have an opportunity to reschedule their ride within 48 hours. Parities arriving with fewer guests than reserved for will be charged the full amount. There is no adjustment to the final bill for early departure, unforeseen departure, or changes in itinerary.
Regarding rain, riders will have 48 hours to reschedule riding times. If it rains for the entire 48 hours from your scheduled time you may get a refund or reschedule within the next 48 hours.
Bar W Lodging
Staying at the Bar W is a truly unique experience. Have your morning breakfast overlooking the south pasture full of horses, area wildlife, and all of the ranch activities. You will have all ranch facilities at your disposal.
For lodging, a 50% deposit per room is required. The balance will be due upon departure. Deposits are non-refundable unless cancelled 14 days in advance less the cost of one nights lodging.No-shows will be charged the full amount. Parties arriving with fewer guests than reserved for will be charged the full amount. There is no adjustment to the final bill for early departure, unforeseen departure, or changes in itinerary.
Check out is at 11:00 a.m. but you’re welcome to stay and enjoy the property.
Miscellaneous
There is a Whitefish Assessment of 1% on all purchases.
Montana has a 7% tax, applicable to the lodging portion of your stay.
There is a 5% Land Use Fee on the horseback riding portion of your stay.
There is an airport transport fee of $25 each way per group
Bar W Policies and Rates are subject to change without notice.
Call Toll Free:
1-866-875-8456
Outside the USA Call:
1-406-862-8190
To Book Reservations Online
Click Here
What to Bring:
Miscellaneous
Camera, film and batteries
Binoculars (compact)
Sunscreen and Insect Repellant
Lip Balm and Moisturizer
Leatherman / Knife
Personal items / toiletries
Prescription Medications
Fishing equipment (we also have some)
Laundry detergent (we have a washer and dryer)
Clothing
We are pretty casual around the ranch, so dress for comfort
Swimsuit or shorts for swimming in the lake
Jeans or comfortable pants (remember if you plan on riding – long pants are necessary)
Other clothes for the activities you have planned outside the ranch
Outerwear
Layers for changing weather conditions
Waterproof rain gear, preferably lightweight Gore-Tex or similar material – slickers and pants
Fleece or other wind blocking garments
Gloves
Medium weight jacket
Hooded sweatshirt or heavy sweater
Chaps (optional)
Undergarments
Light or mid weight long underwear, top and bottom for the colder months
Footwear
For horseback riding a flat soled shoe with a heal
(cowboy boots preferable)
Hiking boots or other traction footwear
Wading boots or sandals for floating or fishing
Sneakers or sandals
Wool or other non-cotton socks
Headwear
Broad rim hat or baseball hat
Sunglasses
Skiing and Snowmobiling
Good quality under garments
Warming layers – turtle neck, fleece, or wool sweater
Quality breathable shell
Hat, Gators, Goggles (two pairs of each)
Helmet with shield or Goggles
Parka (water and wind proof)
Bibs (water and wind proof) with internal gator
Snowmobiling gloves or gloves with liners
(have a spare available as well)
Snowmobiling boots
Skis, snowboard, boots, poles
Backpack
Backcountry
Hydration system (mandatory)
An Avalanche Transceiver (mandatory)
A shovel (mandatory)
A head lamp (mandatory)
A backpack or pack to carry your equipment (mandatory)
Overnight stays
Sleeping bags,
One set of extra clothes for relaxing in
Boots, slippers, and toiletries